Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LEAKAGE DETECTOR SYSTEM
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a leakage detector system.
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to a leakage detector system comprising
a sensor unit, said sensor unit comprising a moisture sensor and a
transmitter, said leakage detector system also comprising an enclosing
material embedding the sensor unit.
The concept according to the present invention, in its broadest sense,
is directed to an arrangement where a moisture sensor is arranged in a
location where a water leakage should be very problematic, such as on the
intended dry side of a moisture barrier, and wherein said sensor unit is
embedded by an enclosing material, such as e.g. part of the material
constituting the actual moisture barrier. In line with this, according to one
embodiment of the present invention, the enclosing material is at least a part
of a moisture barrier.
Specific embodiments of the invention
Below specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed and
discussed further.
According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the
enclosing material is an embedment arrangement, preferably a hermetically
sealing. It should once again be said that the embedment arrangement may
in fact be part of the moisture barrier as provided. Moreover, the embedment
arrangement may also be provided as a separate cover for the moisture
sensor, which full unit then is arranged "beneath" the moisture barrier.
According to yet another specific embodiment, the transmitter is
arranged to enable to send a signal through the enclosing material.
Furthermore, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the leakage detector system also comprises a charging unit
comprising a battery, said charging unit arranged to enable charging of the
sensor unit. Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the sensor unit is arranged on a sealed side of a moisture
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barrier and wherein the charging unit is arranged on the other side of the
moisture barrier. One such example is shown in fig. 1. One advantage with
such an arrangement is that the charging unit is simple to access for a user,
such as if something has to be replaced, e.g. a battery.
It should be noted that the charging of the sensor unit may be
accomplished by different means according to the present invention. One
example is to include a piezoelectric element or more in the sensor unit.
Minor deformations in the material, e.g. obtained from temperature
differences between the concrete and material on top may be used as the
driving force to trigger the piezoelectric element(s).
Moreover, it should, however also be noted that the connection
between the sensor unit and the charging unit may be provided in different
ways according to the present invention. According to one specific
embodiment, there is a wire connection between the charging unit and the
sensor unit. In such a case the wire may be provided as part of the moisture
barrier and for instance be connected to a charging unit which is located
inside of a power outlet. In such a case, the charging unit may be charged by
the connection to the power outlet.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is a
wireless connection between the charging unit and the sensor unit, preferably
provided with key charging technology. The key charging technology may be
provided by e.g. inductance.
Furthermore, the sensor unit suitably comprises a chargeable battery
or a supercapacitor. This may then be charged by the charging unit.
Furthermore, according to one specific embodiment, the leakage
detector system is arranged with blue-tooth low energy (BLE) technology.
BLE can suitably be used as an alternative from a charging unit to a receiver
or can also be used between a sensor unit component with another such or
between sensor unit and charging unit.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment, the sensor
unit is connected to a network bridge arranged to transfer data sent from the
transmitter of the sensor unit. In relation to the above it should be noted
that
one suitable alternative according to the present invention is that the
charging
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unit also functions as a data transmitter. In such a case the charging unit
suitably has a wifi connection and may then send data received from the
sensor unit to the cloud or a mobile device or the like. As such it is
possible
for a user to receive real time data in a simple way.
The moisture sensor according to the present invention may be of
different types. According to one embodiment, the moisture sensor is a
passive sensor, preferably which is activated when getting into contact with
moisture. A passive sensor unit may be used in different ways according to
the present invention. As an example, a current may be sent from the
charging unit to the sensor unit when a control system decides that some
data wants to be collected. This may in turn be operated by a signal from
another unit. As an example, if a leakage detector system according to the
present invention is provided in connection to a shower unit, then the current
may be sent e.g. when a shower sequence has been performed. Moreover, in
another example, and not only valid in the example of a shower, then a set
operation schedule may also decide when to send a "request" from the
charging unit to the sensor unit. For instance, in a summer cottage a system
according to the present invention may then be set to only make requests
when water is consumed, such as based on a signal that the main water inlet
is activated.
As should be understood from above, according to one embodiment of
the present invention, the leakage detector system is arranged to send a
signal to the sensor unit to perform a measurement and send measurement
data from the transmitter of the sensor unit to a receiver unit. Moreover, as
also hinted above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the
receiver unit and the charging unit is one and the same unit.
Furthermore, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the leakage detector system is arranged to send a signal to
the sensor unit to perform a measurement and send measurement data from
the transmitter of the sensor unit to a receiver unit based on the existence
of
another external event, such as when a shower unit has been operated, water
has been fed into a system, or the like. As mentioned, the unit of the leakage
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detector system arranged to send a signal to the sensor unit may be the
charging unit of the leakage detector system.
Moreover, as also hinted above, according to yet another specific
embodiment of the present invention, the charging unit is arranged with a wifi
connection to send data.
Also the technology used for the actual moisture sensor according to
the present invention may vary. According to the present invention, any type
of low power wireless short range data communication is possible to use.
According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the moisture
sensor is a near-field communication (NFC) sensor, a so called NFC tag
(Rfid). When an electric field is provided over the sensor, then the NFC tag
may send data with identification etc. If and when a sensor stops to return a
signal, then an alarm may be activated and sent. Moreover, the sensor unit
may also comprise additional components. As an example, according to one
specific embodiment, the sensor unit also comprises a temperature sensor.
The leakage detector system according to the present invention may
be incorporated in many different places, in fact anywhere where there is a
risk for a water leak is a potential suitable place for a leakage detector
system
according to the present invention. One such suitable place is in a close
proximity to a floor drain unit. Therefore, according to one specific
embodiment of the present invention, the moisture sensor is arranged on a
sealed side of a moisture barrier in close proximity to a floor drain unit,
e.g. in
close proximity to a floor drain unit in a shower.
Moreover, the sensor unit according to the present invention may
comprise sensor wires. Such sensor wires may e.g. be arranged around a
floor drain unit to provide detection around the entire floor drain unit. As
such,
if a leakage is detected, then it is also possible to see where the leakage is
positioned or at least the direction of the leakage source. Furthermore,
sensor
wires may also be used according to the present invention to be arranged
around feed tubing. As tubing is the most frequent leakage source, this may
be used to detect a leakage at a very early stage.
Furthermore, the leakage detector system may also comprise other
units. According to one specific embodiment, there is a protection holder
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arranged between the moisture sensor and the enclosing material. This may
be used to simplify some installations of sensor units to ensure that these
are
encapsulated during the entire installation procedure.
Furthermore, the present invention is also directed to a leakage
5 detector system, as disclosed above, arranged on top of a floor material,
e.g.
concrete, and embedded in a layer of screed with the moisture barrier
arranged on top of the layer of screed.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment, the leakage
detector system comprises at least two moisture sensors. This may increase
the redundancy and as such diminish the risk for false alarms.
The present invention provides several advantages. Non-limiting
examples are the size needed for the sensor units, which is limited in
comparison to existing systems, as well as the energy demand to maintain
the system operation over a long time. The present invention provides a
communication system with an efficient energy use, where BLE is one
possible example. Moreover, the present invention also provides efficient
scheduled data transmitting with on-demand detection as an example. These
advantages provide for a solution which is not demanding in terms of space
needed and where the battery time can last for more than 10 years.
Detailed description of the drawings
In fig. 1 there is shown one embodiment of a leakage detector system
1 according to the present invention. The leakage detector system 1
comprises a sensor unit 2 comprising a moisture sensor 20. As notable, in
this case the sensor unit 2 also comprises a "mother unit" which in this case
is
the unit suitably comprising a supercapacitor which is charged by the
charging unit 10. It should be noted that such an alternative may also
comprise several moisture sensors 20 or sensor wires with nodes or the like
as seen in figures 2a and 2b. Furthermore, it is also possible that the sensor
unit 2 only is incorporated as one single unit with moisture sensor 20 and
charging capabilities etc.
The leakage detector system 1 also comprises an enclosing material 3,
in this case being part of the moisture barrier 4. Furthermore, as hinted
above, in this embodiment the leakage detector system 1 also comprises a
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charging unit 10. The charging unit 10 charges the sensor unit 2 which then
may send a signal back to the charging unit 10 regarding identification and a
moisture alarm or not. From the charging unit 10 this data may then be sent
to the cloud or to a mobile device or the like.
As notable, in this embodiment the leakage detector system 1 is
located in connection with a floor drain unit 5.
Moreover, shown is also a floor material 7, e.g. concrete, and screed 8.
Furthermore, in fig. 2a and 2b there is shown another embodiment of a
leakage detector system 1 according to the present invention, also in this
case located in connection with a floor drain unit 5. In this specific case
the
sensor unit 2 comprises sensor wires which are arranged around the floor
drain unit 5. As such, if moisture is detected then the direction of the leak
around the floor drain unit 5 will also be able to be decided.
In fig. 3 there is shown yet another specific embodiment of the present
invention. In this case there is shown an alternative where the sensor unit 2
is
protected by a protection holder 6 arranged between the moisture sensor 20
and the enclosing material 3. In this case, the leakage detector system 1 is
arranged on top of a floor material 7, e.g. concrete, and embedded in a layer
of screed 8 with the moisture barrier 4 arranged on top of the layer of screed
8. On top of the moisture barrier mortar, plaster or glue is arranged and then
finally the outer surface of tiles or e.g. carpet is provided.
A second aspect of the present invention
According to a second aspect of the present invention this refers to a
floor drain unit comprising a leakage detector system comprising a sensor
unit, said sensor unit comprising a moisture sensor and a transmitter.
The concept according to the present invention is intended to be used
in an arrangement for a floor drain unit where a moisture sensor is arranged
on the intended dry side of a moisture barrier created around the floor drain
unit, and wherein said sensor unit is embedded by the moisture barrier
material.
Specific embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention
Below specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed and
discussed further.
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According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the
floor drain unit is intended to be arranged in connection with a moisture
barrier material arranged to embed the moisture sensor.
According to one specific embodiment, the transmitter is arranged to
enable to send a signal through the moisture barrier material.
Furthermore, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the leakage detector system also comprises a charging unit
comprising a battery, said charging unit arranged to enable charging of the
sensor unit. Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the sensor unit is arranged on a sealed side of a moisture
barrier and wherein the charging unit is arranged on the other side of the
moisture barrier. One such example is shown in fig. 1. One advantage with
such an arrangement is that the charging unit is simple to access for a user,
such as if something has to be replaced, e.g. a battery.
It should be noted that the charging of the sensor unit may be
accomplished by different means according to the present invention. One
example is to include a piezoelectric element or more in the sensor unit.
Minor deformations in the material, e.g. obtained from temperature
differences between the concrete and material on top may be used as the
driving force to trigger the piezoelectric element(s).
Moreover, it should, however also be noted that the connection
between the sensor unit and the charging unit may be provided in different
ways according to the present invention. According to one specific
embodiment, there is a wire connection between the charging unit and the
sensor unit. In such a case the wire may be provided as part of the moisture
barrier and for instance be connected to a charging unit which is located
inside of a power outlet. In such a case, the charging unit may be charged by
the connection to the power outlet.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is a
wireless connection between the charging unit and the sensor unit, preferably
provided with key charging technology. The key charging technology may be
provided by e.g. inductance.
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Furthermore, the sensor unit suitably comprises a chargeable battery
or a supercapacitor. This may then be charged by the charging unit.
Furthermore, according to one specific embodiment, the leakage detector
system is arranged arranged with blue-tooth low energy (BLE) technology.
BLE can suitably be used as an alternative from a charging unit to a receiver
or can also be used between a sensor unit component with another such or
between sensor unit and charging unit.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment, the sensor
unit is connected to a network bridge arranged to transfer data sent from the
transmitter of the sensor unit. In relation to the above it should be noted
that
one suitable alternative according to the present invention is that the
charging
unit also functions as a data transmitter. In such a case the charging unit
suitably has a wifi connection and may then send data received from the
sensor unit to the cloud or a mobile device or the like. As such it is
possible
for a user to receive real time data in a simple way.
The moisture sensor according to the present invention may be of
different types. According to one embodiment, the moisture sensor is a
passive sensor, preferably which is activated when getting into contact with
moisture. A passive sensor unit may be used in different ways according to
the present invention. As an example, a current may be sent from the
charging unit to the sensor unit when a control system decides that some
data wants to be collected. This may in turn be operated by a signal from
another unit. As an example, if a leakage detector system according to the
present invention is provided in connection to a shower unit, then the current
may be sent e.g. when a shower sequence has been performed. Moreover, in
another example, and not only valid in the example of a shower, then a set
operation schedule may also decide when to send a "request" from the
charging unit to the sensor unit. For instance, in a summer cottage a system
according to the present invention may then be set to only make requests
when water is consumed, such as based on a signal that the main water inlet
is activated.
As should be understood from above, according to one embodiment of
the present invention, the leakage detector system is arranged to send a
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signal to the sensor unit to perform a measurement and send measurement
data from the transmitter of the sensor unit to a receiver unit. Moreover, as
also hinted above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the
receiver unit and the charging unit is one and the same unit.
Furthermore, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the leakage detector system is arranged to send a signal to
the sensor unit to perform a measurement and send measurement data from
the transmitter of the sensor unit to a receiver unit based on the existence
of
another external event, such as when a shower unit has been operated, water
has been fed into a system, or the like. As mentioned, the unit of the leakage
detector system arranged to send a signal to the sensor unit may be the
charging unit of the leakage detector system.
Moreover, as also hinted above, according to yet another specific
embodiment of the present invention, the charging unit is arranged with a wifi
connection to send data.
Also the technology used for the actual moisture sensor according to
the present invention may vary. According to the present invention, any type
of low power wireless short range data communication is possible to use.
According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the moisture
sensor is a near-field communication (NFC) sensor, a so called NFC tag
(Rfid). When an electric field is provided over the sensor, then the NFC tag
may send data with identification etc. If and when a sensor stops to return a
signal, then an alarm may be activated and sent. Moreover, the sensor unit
may also comprise additional components. As an example, according to one
specific embodiment, the sensor unit also comprises a temperature sensor.
Moreover, the sensor unit according to the present invention may
comprise sensor wires. Such sensor wires may e.g. be arranged around the
floor drain unit to provide detection around the entire floor drain unit. As
such,
if a leakage is detected, then it is also possible to see where the leakage is
positioned or at least the direction of the leakage source.
Furthermore, the leakage detector system may also comprise other
units. According to one specific embodiment, there is a protection holder
arranged between the moisture sensor and the enclosing material. This may
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be used to simplify some installations of sensor units to ensure that these
are
encapsulated during the entire installation procedure.
Furthermore, the present invention is also directed to a floor drain unit
comprising a leakage detector system, as disclosed above, arranged on top
5 of a floor material, e.g. concrete, and embedded in a layer of screed
with the
moisture barrier arranged on top of the layer of screed.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment, the leakage
detector system comprises at least two moisture sensors. This may increase
the redundancy and as such diminish the risk for false alarms.
10 The present invention provides several advantages. Non-limiting
examples are the size needed for the sensor units, which is limited in
comparison to existing systems, as well as the energy demand to maintain
the system operation over a long time. The present invention provides a
communication system with an efficient energy use, where BLE is one
possible example Moreover, the present invention also provides efficient
scheduled data transmitting with on-demand detection as an example. These
advantages provide for a solution which is not demanding in terms of space
needed and where the battery time can last for more than 10 years.
Clauses according to a second aspect of the present invention
1. Floor drain unit (5) comprising a leakage detector system (1) comprising a
sensor unit (2), said sensor unit (2) comprising a moisture sensor (20) and a
transmitter.
2. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 1, wherein the floor drain unit is
intended to be arranged in connection with a moisture barrier material (4)
arranged to embed the moisture sensor (2).
3. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 2, wherein the transmitter is
arranged
to enable to send a signal through the moisture barrier material (4).
4. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the leakage
detector system (1) also comprises a charging unit (10) comprising a battery,
said charging unit (3) arranged to enable charging of the sensor unit (2).
5. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 4, wherein the sensor unit (2) is
arranged on a sealed side of the moisture barrier (4) and wherein the
charging unit (10) is arranged on the other side of the moisture barrier (4).
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6. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein there is a wire
connection between the charging unit (10) and the sensor unit (2).
7. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein there is a wireless
connection between the charging unit (10) and the sensor unit (2), preferably
provided with key charging technology.
8. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
sensor unit (2) comprises a chargeable battery or a supercapacitor.
9. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
leakage detector system (1) is arranged arranged with blue-tooth low energy
(BLE) technology.
10. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
sensor unit (2) is connected to a network bridge arranged to transfer data
sent from the transmitter of the sensor unit (2).
11. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
moisture sensor is a passive sensor, preferably which is activated when
getting into contact with moisture.
12. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
leakage detector system (1) is arranged to send a signal to the sensor unit
(2)
to perform a measurement and send measurement data from the transmitter
of the sensor unit (2) to a receiver unit.
13. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 12, wherein the receiver unit and
the charging unit (10) is one and the same unit.
14. Floor drain unit (5) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the leakage
detector system (1) is arranged to send a signal to the sensor unit (2) to
perform a measurement and send measurement data from the transmitter of
the sensor unit (2) to a receiver unit based on the existence of another
external event, such as when a shower unit has been operated, water has
been fed into a system, or the like.
15. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of claims 4-14, wherein the charging
unit (10) is arranged with a wifi connection to send data.
16. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
moisture sensor (2) is a near-field communication (NFC) sensor.
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17. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
sensor unit (2) also comprises a temperature sensor.
18. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
sensor unit (2) comprises one or more sensor wires, preferably arranged
around the floor drain unit (5).
19. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
there is a protection holder (6) arranged between the sensor unit (2) and the
moisture barrier material (4).
20. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
leakage detector system (1) is arranged on top of a floor material (7), e.g.
concrete, and embedded in a layer of screed (8) with the moisture barrier (4)
arranged on top of the layer of screed (8).
21. Floor drain unit (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the
leakage detector system (1) comprises at least two moisture sensors (2).
A third aspect of the present invention
According to a third aspect of the present invention this refers to a
water inlet monitoring unit having the following features:
- one or more flow measuring units;
- one or more water quality measuring units;
- a connection unit so that the water inlet monitoring unit may be connected
to
a water inlet to a house, apartment real estate, hotel, or the like; and
- a shut off valve or flow redirecting valve.
In relation to the expression "shut off valve or flow redirecting valve" it
should be said that the water inlet monitoring unit has the ability to measure
flow, and thus potential water leakage, and water quality, and may trigger a
valve to close or open (or stay open). This triggering is suitably enabled by
a
control system. To give some examples, if the flow measuring indicates that a
leakage has occurred, then the valve may be closed so that no water is flown
into the water distribution system, e.g. in a household. This is also why the
valve may be regarded as a hut off valve in some cases. In another potential
system, or as a complementary feature, then water may be redirected to
another unit instead. For instance, if a low water quality is detected, then
the
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water flow may be directed to a unit where such low water quality may be
alright, for instance for flushing a toilet.
The concept according to the present invention is directed to a unit for
measuring different parameters, such as water flow, water quality and/or
temperature, which all may provide important data in relation to if the water
flowing into the house, apartment real estate, hotel or the like is suitable
to
use, for different purposes, if there is a leak or potential risk for a future
leak.
Based on this, the shut off valve is also a key feature to be used if
unintentional flow occurs. Moreover, also low water quality may trigger the
water inlet monitoring unit or a control unit / monitoring system linked
thereto
to allow for water to only be used for certain applications, such as in a
toilet,
but not to be used as drinking water. The alarm function may then give an
indication to the user that the water is not suitable to drink but can be used
for
other applications.
Specific embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention
Below specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed and
discussed further.
Suitably, the inlet monitoring unit according to the present invention is
provided with some kind of communication. According to one specific
embodiment of the present invention, the inlet monitoring unit comprises
Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connection(s). In this regard it should be noted that
also other forms are possible, such as 5G, GSM or other types.
Furthermore, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the inlet monitoring unit comprises an external power
supply and/or an internal battery. As will be further explained below, the
inlet
monitoring unit suitably comprises or is connected to a control system or
some kind of operation system. Some parts of the power supply may also be
provided into the control system in addition to this or as an alternative to
some parts of the power supply.
Moreover, the inlet monitoring unit may comprise several different
sensor types. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present
invention, the water inlet monitoring unit also comprises a temperature
sensor. This sensor may be provided to measure the temperature of the
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inflowing water, suitably of the cold water inlet. As such, this may function
as
an alarm of increased freezing risk. Moreover, it should be noted that in
households or the like where the cold water and hot water flows into a mixer,
then it could be suitable to install two inlet monitoring units according to
the
present invention, one on the cold water inlet and one on the hot water inlet.
It
should be noted that a monitoring unit according to the present invention may
also only be arranged on the cold water inlet, which cold water may be heated
in a boiler to provide for hot water.
Now going back to possible sensors. According to one specific
embodiment, the inlet monitoring unit also comprises a sensor for measuring
the surrounding temperature. This sensor then measures a temperature
outside of the tubing and this may function as a strong indication of frost
risk
for the tubing. Moreover, in warm climates such a surrounding temperature
sensor may also function as an alarm when the cold water is too hot. This
may then be regarded as a legionella alarm. To give an example, if a drinking
water outlet or a shower unit is connected to the water inlet monitoring unit
according to the present invention, then measuring the surrounding
temperature, or in fact cold water temperature, may function as an alert
function to ensure that this water is not used for drinking or showering and
instead sent to waste. This may be handled directly by a control system or
only function as an alert function to inform a specific user.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment of the present
invention, said one or more water quality measuring units are at least one
sensor measuring water conductivity, preferably electric conductivity (EC), or
a turbidity sensor, or a combination thereof. A EC value may be used as an
indication of the water quality. Measuring the water quality in this may
provide
for both valuable big data use but also to provide for water quality
indication
for a specific user or for calibration to units dependent thereof, such e.g. a
water recirculation unit, e.g. a recirculating shower. Another possible sensor
to incorporate is one or more biosensor(s). To use sensors enabling to
measure different type of water properties may be of interest in a unit
according to the present invention. Conductivity is one such, but there may
also be others.
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Furthermore, according to one specific embodiment of the present
invention, said one or more flow measuring units are one low flow meter and
one high flow meter. To incorporate a flow meter in a lower flow range and a
flow meter in a higher flow range, respectively is a way of ensuring a broad
5 measuring range for the water flow. Furthermore, a low flow meter
operating
by use of pressure may be used according to the present invention.
The water inlet monitoring unit according to the present invention may
function as an alert / alarm system. As hinted above, this alarm capability
may
be directed to frost / freezing risk, which may be very problematic for
tubing.
10 Moreover, also low water quality from e.g. the EC measurement may be an
alarm indicator. Furthermore, regarding flow this may be used, as explained
below in relation to the method according to the present invention, to enable
comparison of the instant consumption behavior to the consumption behavior
over time. When a consumption behavior is detected, which is clearly outside
15 of the normal detected consumption, then this may indicate a leakage
somewhere. This implies that a water inlet monitoring unit according to the
present invention may also have water leakage detection capabilities.
Furthermore, it should be noted that also other parameters may be measured
to be used as single indicators or indicators together with others. One
example is to measure the pressure drop inside the tubing. This may also
function as an indicator of a leak or of something else problematic.
Furthermore, the water inlet monitoring unit may comprise other means
and units. According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the
water inlet monitoring unit comprises both Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi
connection. Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment of the
present invention, the water inlet monitoring unit comprises an external power
supply and a battery powered to maintain connectivity at a power shut down.
Moreover, the present invention is also directed to a water distribution
system intended for domestic water usage, wherein said water distribution
system comprises at least one water inlet monitoring unit according to the
present invention. As hinted above, according to one specific embodiment of
the present invention, wherein a flow through boiler is provided from a cold
water supply to provide for hot water supply. Moreover, the water inlet
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monitoring unit according to the present invention may also be provided on
separate cold and water supplies. Therefore, according to one specific
embodiment of the present invention, said water distribution system
comprises one water inlet monitoring unit according to the present invention
for a hot water inlet and one water inlet monitoring unit according to the
present invention for a cold water inlet. If separate monitoring units are
installed, then it is of interest that these can communicate with each other
so
that the full consumption profile may be measured and evaluated.
Furthermore, the present invention also refers to a method for
detecting a potential leak or a leak in progress, said method comprising
monitoring the flow behavior over time in a water inlet monitoring unit
according to the present invention linked to water usage in one or more water
usage units. This method may be seen as a kind of Al application where the
monitoring unit compares instant data to a user profile and then indicates if
the consumption behavior does not seem to be normal and then should
indicate a leak.
According to yet another specific embodiment of the present invention,
the method comprises comparing a specific flow behavior with the flow
behavior over time and if there is a difference in the specific flow behavior
compared to the flow behavior over time then sends an alarm to a user. To
give an example, this may be driven by measuring the water consumption
over time and comparing different time periods, e.g. in a household or a hotel
or the like.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment of the present
invention, the method also comprises measuring the surrounding temperature
to enable to send an alarm when there is a frost risk or leg ionella growth
risk.
With reference to the inlet monitoring unit according to the present
invention the following may also be mentioned. Machine learning is very
suitable to use as a technology for most applications. To give some
examples, most faucets have the same flow/pressure drop profiles, toilets
have the same type / size of cisterns and flushing volumes, washing
machines have the same volumes and shower units have the same flow
speed over time etc. etc. As such, a control unit / measuring system may set
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user profiles based on all such input only based on measurement of flow
and/or volumes used in different units. To link this to the inlet monitoring
unit
then may act as an alarm / alert system. Red flags may be provided when it is
clear that the usage does not correlate with the normal consumption profiles.
Examples are leaks, but also a dripping faucet may be such a behavior which
should provide a red flag alert.
It is of course more challenging when multi units are used at the same
time, but a system according to the present invention may also learn this
behavior over time. As an example, even if the system according to the
present invention may red flag a certain behavior the first time, if it is
notified
that the specific event was not something that should indicate leakage, then
the system may recognize this the second time such behavior arises.
Based on the above it should be noted that the more units that have a
well-defined water usage profile, the better set-up may be obtained for the
entire monitoring system. The software used in a control and / or monitoring
system according to the present invention will be fully operational quicker in
such cases, and in other cases it will have to learn certain things over time.
In
relation to this it may also be said that a certain user may link different
applications to the control and / or monitoring system according to the
present
invention, and in a start up-phase then the user suitably runs the
applications
towards the control and / or monitoring system so that everything is set in
the
beginning. It should be noted that this could be one possible start-up
procedure, but also other more automatic directly are totally possible.
Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment of the present
invention there is provided a method comprising using a water inlet
monitoring unit according to the present invention, for measuring water
quality
over time.
Detailed description of fig. 4 relating to the third aspect of the present
invention
In fig. 4 there is shown one possible embodiment of an inlet monitoring
unit 60 according to the present invention. In this case the unit 60 is
provided
on the cold water inlet. In this case the following functions are provided in
the
unit 60:
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- Monitors the actual flow (low and high);
- Monitors surrounding and/or the water temperature;
- Monitors the water conductivity, such as to be used for big data purposes
or
calibration for certain water user units;
- Involves a shut off valve or flow redirecting valve if unintentional flow
occurs;
- Has Bluetooth connection and/or Wi-Fi connection;
- Has an external power supply;
- Has a battery powered to maintain connectivity at power shut down.
Clauses according to a third aspect of the present invention
1. A water inlet monitoring unit (60) having the following features:
- one or more flow measuring units;
- one or more water quality measuring units;
- a connection unit so that the water inlet monitoring unit (60) may be
connected to a water inlet to a house, apartment real estate, hotel or the
like;
and
- a shut off valve or flow redirecting valve.
2. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to claim 1, also comprising
Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connection(s).
3. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to claim 1 or 2, also
comprising an external power supply and/or an internal battery.
4. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to any of claims 1-3,
wherein
the water inlet monitoring unit (60) also comprises a temperature sensor.
5. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to any of claims 1-4,
wherein
the water inlet monitoring unit (60) also comprises a sensor for measuring the
surrounding temperature.
6. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to any of claims 1-5,
wherein
said one or more water quality measuring units are at least one sensor
measuring water conductivity and/or turbidity, and/or a biosensor.
7. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein said one or more flow measuring units are one low flow meter
and one high flow meter.
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8. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein the water inlet monitoring unit (60) comprises Bluetooth
connection and Wi-Fi connection.
9. The water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein the water inlet monitoring unit (60) comprises an external
power supply and a battery powered to maintain connectivity at a power shut
down.
10. A water distribution system intended for domestic water usage, wherein
said water distribution system comprises at least one water inlet monitoring
unit (60) according to any of claims 1-9.
11. The water distribution system according to claim 10, wherein a flow
through boiler is provided from a cold water supply to provide for hot water
supply.
12. The water distribution system intended for domestic water usage, wherein
said water distribution system comprises one water inlet monitoring unit (60)
according to any of claims 1-9 for a hot water inlet and one water inlet
monitoring unit (60) according to any of claims 1-9 for a cold water inlet.
13. A method for detecting a potential leak or a leak in progress, said method
comprising monitoring the flow behavior over time in a water inlet monitoring
unit (60) according to any of claims 1-9 linked to water usage in one or more
water usage units.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises
comparing a specific flow behavior with the flow behavior over time and if
there is a difference in the specific flow behavior compared to the flow
behavior over time then sends an alarm to a user.
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the method also
comprises measuring the surrounding temperature to enable to send an
alarm when there is a frost risk or leg ionella growth risk.
16. A method comprising using a water inlet monitoring unit (60) according to
any of claims 1-9, for measuring water quality over time.
